Fourth-placed Federal timed it right to topple top qualifier Aotea Kiwi to reach the Top of the South men’s hockey final this weekend against Tasman.
Federal won the semi-final in Blenheim 3-1 to earn their spot in the decider and record their first win against Aotea Kiwi this season.
Their reward is a showdown with Tasman who proved too strong for a faltering Stoke side 6-1 in Nelson.
Federal have also not beaten Tasman this season.
Tasman coach Tim Kerr was delighted with the effort of his team to bounce back after a heavy 5-2 loss to Federal Titans the previous week, “The guys all went away and worked on their individual skills and it showed.
“We got a couple of goals and the confidence grew through the team and we made the most of our chances.”
Federal coach Dean Machen says his team played with speed despite only travelling with one substitute.
He praised Ryan Gerrish’s workrate in the win and believed his young side had the ability to upset the form guide again this weekend.
In women’s action; Tasman downed Federal 1-0 to set-up a final against Kiwi this weekend.
Neave Ellis scored the match winner with Tasman goalie Tania Hawley making some crucial saves in the first half to ensure her team could make the most of the goal and earn a confidence-boosting win after a tight game.
